Visayas governors pledge support for BBM

Local

ELEVEN out of sixteen governors in the Visayas pledged their support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during his visit to the Cebu Provincial Capitol on Thursday, January 30.

Led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the One Visayas Bloc gathered at the Capitol and personally handed their signed manifestos to Marcos, affirming their commitment to his administration’s programs and policies.

The governors backing Marcos include Jose Enrique Miraflores (Aklan), JC Rahman Nava (Guimaras), Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol), Eugenio Jose Lacson (Negros Occidental), Manuel Sagarbarria (Negros Oriental), Jake Vincent Villa (Siquijor), Ben Evardone (Eastern Samar), Jericho Petilla (Leyte), Sharee Ann Tan (Samar), and Damian Mercado (Southern Leyte).

Cebu’s local officials, including barangay captains, mayors, vice mayors, councilors, provincial board members, and congressional representatives, also joined the gathering to express their support for the President’s leadership.

The Provincial Board gifted Marcos an image of Snr. Sto. Niño de Cebu as a token of appreciation.

In his speech during the event dubbed as “Unity Lunch” at the Capitol Social Hall, Marcos recalled how his wife, First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, became emotional when she received similar manifestos of support during Cebu’s 455th founding anniversary in August 2024.

The President recalled teasing his wife for being emotional, telling her that she was “too much of a crybaby” and that she was “easily brought to tears.”

After witnessing the strong backing from Visayan leaders, Marcos admitted he now understood her emotions.

“After today, after the overwhelming expressions of support that I have received today, well, I understand perfectly well why she shed a tear. Thank you, thank you so much,” he said.

Marcos praised Cebu as a province of kindred spirits, drawing from his experience as a former governor of Ilocos Norte.

He expressed his joy at being among like-minded individuals during his visit, saying he was “very, very happy.”

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and other key Cabinet members joined him at the event.

His visit reinforced Cebu’s vital role in national development and underscored the growing influence of the One Visayas Bloc in shaping regional policies.

He also emphasized the progress of the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) project, which is set to boost the province’s economy.

Expected to be completed in 2028, the project aims to decongest the existing Cebu port and improve the flow of goods and services.

As part of his packed Cebu itinerary, Marcos attended the signing of a manifesto at the Capitol.

Earlier in the day, he met with the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas at the DepEd Ecotech Center in Barangay Lahug, where discussions focused on economic development, infrastructure, and regional growth strategies.

By midday, he addressed legal professionals at the 20th National Convention of Lawyers at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, highlighting policy reforms and legal developments.

After the Unity Lunch at the Capitol, he proceeded to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to inaugurate its alternate runway. Officials expect the new runway to ease air traffic congestion and accommodate more international flights.(MyTVCebu)